Question

Sri Aurobindo refers to a 'power' of Saccidānanda that creates the world. He writes, “...out of the Supreme Being in which all is all without barrier of separative consciousness, emerges the phenomenal being in which all is in each and each is in all for the play of existence with existence, consciousness with consciousness, force with force, delight with delight.” Which among the following concepts is/are referred to as 'power' here?

• A. Māyā
• B. Involution
• C. Evolution
• D. Integral Yoga

Hint:

For Aurobindo's philosophy, distinguish between involution (creation) and evolution (progression).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Sri Aurobindo describes the "power" of Saccidānanda (existence, consciousness, and bliss) that creates the world as the dynamic force responsible for the manifestation of the phenomenal universe.
1. Māyā: In this context, Māyā is the creative power of the Supreme Being, responsible for manifesting the diversity of the phenomenal world while maintaining unity in the essence of existence. Māyā creates the interplay of forces, consciousness, and delight mentioned in the passage.
2. Incorrect options: - (B) Involution: Involution refers to the descent of the Supreme Consciousness into the material world but is not explicitly the "power" mentioned here. - (C) Evolution: Evolution describes the ascent of consciousness from matter back to its divine source, which complements involution but is not the creative power described in the text. - (D) Integral Yoga: Integral Yoga is Sri Aurobindo's practical philosophy for realizing divine consciousness but is not referred to as the "power" that creates the world.
Thus, the correct answer is (A) Māyā.